More of the same

Hearts continued their impressive league form with a 1-0 victory over St. Mirren on Saturday at Tynecastle, leaving the Gorgie side just six points behind city rivals Hibs.

A Michael Stewart penalty gave the hosts all three points in this dress rehearsal for next month’s CIS Insurance Cup semi final, meaning Laszlo’s side are now unbeaten in five SPL fixtures.

Hearts controlled the early proceedings, youngster David Templeton threatening twice within a matter of minutes. Christian Nade showed good skill on the right, before cutting inside and picking out Templeton’s run, though he couldn’t direct his header on target.

The wide man’s next opportunity was of his own making. Back to goal, a lovely turn took him past two Saints defenders before firing in a well struck right foot drive that Paul Gallacher did well to tip wide.

It was Nade’s turn to go close with his head on 11 minutes. The Frenchman beat Jack Ross to Michael Stewart’s wicked near post delivery, but could only nod wide from five yards.

The pressure on the Buddies defence was building and the breakthrough came in a familiar fashion after 22 minutes.

Ruben Palazuelos’ speculative ball down the left flank seemed harmless, before Ross, under pressure from Nade, inexplicably handled the bouncing ball at head height. Ref Stevie O’Reilly had no option but to award the spot kick.

Skipper Stewart once again stepped up to give Hearts the lead, dispatching the ball with confidence in to the bottom right hand corner.

The one-sided first half went in to a lull after the opening goal, St. Mirren toiling to cause any real concern for the Hearts’ back line. The last real attack of the half saw the diminutive Scott Robinson outmuscle Dorman, before laying the ball off to David Obua, who fired wildly over.

Stewart was again the driving force after the break, robbing Steven Thompson in the last third, although the midfielder’s left foot effort lacked the power to trouble Gallacher.

Despite their increased urgency, Gus McPherson’s side continued to struggle in attack; David Barron’s wayward fiftieth-minute effort from distance just their second effort on the thus far untroubled Kello’s goal.

Hearts came close to doubling their advantage on 65 minutes after good link up play between two of their young talents. Robinson broke with pace from deep before spraying the ball out to Templeton. Not for the first time, the number 24 showed good feet before forcing Gallacher in to a smart stop low to his left.

St. Mirren’s best chance of an equaliser was always going to be from a set piece, and Dorman’s corner was met forcefully by Chris Innes, though his volley sailed over the Hearts bar, under pressure from Bouzid.

Stewart again surged forward purposefully with 20 minutes remaining. He picked out Templeton, whose shot deflected into the path of Obua. The lacklustre Ugandan should have shot first time, but instead delayed before firing straight at Gallacher.

The final twenty saw St. Mirren force a succession of corners and free kicks, though the Jambos, sensing a fourth league win in six, showed the required resilience to keep a clean sheet and secure another thee points.